John Cunningham awarded OAM for science and immunisation

Australian Skeptics congratulate Mr John Cunningham on being granted a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to medicine and the promotion of immunisation in the 2016 Australia Day awards.

Mr Cunningham is an Australian-trained orthopaedic surgeon, practising in Melbourne. He specialises in the treatment of spinal disorders.

He has also been a supporter, fundraiser and spokesperson for Stop the Australian Vaccination Network (SAVN) since 2009.

Mr Cunningham is especially known to the Skeptical community for his constant campaigning for science-based medicine, particularly in regards to the less-than-scientific claims made for chiropractic. In fact, the image of him ‘face-palming’ on the ABC Catalyst program in response to a particularly strange claim by chiropractor Tony Croke regarding nerves and static is indicative of the frustration science and medicine experts feel when faced with nonsense claims.

Thank you for your kind words. One does wonder what one will be remembered for when one passes on from this life. I had hoped that I would be remembered for promoting immunisation and protecting the innocent lives of children, for rallying against pseudo-medicine and improving care, but no – it appears that the face palm will be it. Can you put YouTube on a gravestone? John